The first big quilt show of the new year will be Road to California Quilters Conference and Showcase. It will be held at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California January 22-25, 2025 with a preview night on January 21 from 6:00 until 8:00. Quilters fondly refer to this show as “Road” and the attendees are, naturally, know as  “Roadies”.  The show features a quilt contest, special exhibits, a vendor mall and fabulous classes. Held in sunny California in January, it’s a destination show for sure; and a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in quilting!

Why I’m Qualified

Hi, I’m Mary Beth Krapil, Handi Quilter National Educator. As a HQ National Educator, I’ve attended several Road to California shows and I have taught classes at the show several years. It is an astounding show. I love the magic atmosphere of all the happy creative quilters soaking in inspiration, learning new techniques, making new friends, and gathering supplies for their next projects. I’ll share some things I’ve learned  that will help make your experience the best it can be.

Tips for attending Road to California

When you go to a major show like Road, you’ll want to get the FULL experience. It’s best to plan ahead so you can enjoy it all. So let’s dive in to my 12 tips.

1. Visit the Road to California website

You’ll get all your questions answered here. This is where you’ll find information about the venue location, hours, class offerings, admission, contests, vendors, safety precautions, and more.

2. Enter your quilts

Sadly, the quilt contest is closed by now. But, there’s always next year. After you come home from the show you’ll be so full of inspiration and ideas, you’ll want to get started on your quilt to enter next year! For all the details, including rules, important dates, and judging information, please click HERE.

You can also view previous year’s winning quilts HERE.  That way you’ll know what you’re up against!

3. Plan your time

The Road to California Quilter’s Conference has a packed schedule, including workshops, lectures, and vendor demonstrations. Check the show’s website for details on the dates, times, and events so you can plan accordingly.

You’ll also want to build in some time to enjoy the contest quilts and the special exhibits. Road features one of the most diverse exhibitions of quilts in the United States. They bring exhibits in from all over the world!

4. Don’t OVER-schedule

It’s so exciting to see all the wonderful fun things to do at Road. Many first-timers can get overwhelmed. Be sure to change up your activities throughout the day. Plan to take breaks, shop the vendor mall, enjoy the quilts a little at a time, and check out the demonstrations. With all the activities at Road, you may only want to sign up for 1 or 2 workshops or classes. This way you can experience a little bit of everything. Learning in workshops is great, but definitely don’t overload yourself, and be sure to leave room for the other activities. The one thing I hear the most from first time attendees is that they took too many classes and wore themselves out!

5. Register Early

Check out the class offerings HERE. You’ll see that classes actually start on Monday before the show opens. Once you have chosen your classes you’ll want to register right away. Classes fill up fast. You’ll find all the information you need about classes HERE.

6. Pro-Stitcher Classes Sponsored by Handi Quilter

Speaking of classes, Pro-Stitcher has a special opportunity for you at Road this year. So many Pro-Stitcher quilters are clamoring for classes, that we have set up some fabulous Pro-Stitcher classes at Road! These Pro-Stitcher Technology classes cater to all skill levels and focus on mastering this intuitive, computer-guided quilting system. Each class is packed with tips, tricks, and hands-on learning to help you achieve flawless results. The classes are taught using Pro-Stitcher Simulation so you’ll bring your laptop computer with simulation loaded to class. Check out the lineup:

Get Comfortable Using Pro-Stitcher

Perfect for beginners—learn the basics of edge-to-edge and custom quilting with precision.

Finesse Edge-to-Edge Quilting Using Pro-Stitcher

Move beyond simple setups to master advanced edge-to-edge techniques.

Pro-Stitcher AAA = All About Areas

Dive into custom work and create beautiful designs using areas as placement guides.

Combining Designs Made Easy in Pro-Stitcher

Learn to combine pre-loaded digital designs to create your own unique patterns.

Pro-Stitcher GPS Tools: Finding Your Way Along the Quilting Path

Explore GPS tools to map out your quilting path with precision and confidence.

If you are not able to register for the class you want because they are full, be sure to take advantage of the Wait List.

7. Volunteer at Road to California

Volunteering is a great way to fully experience Road to California, meet new people, and have fun!

Perks!
Below are the “perks” for a Roadie who volunteers their time during the previous Road to California.

2 Hours – Single Day Admission
4 Hours – Multi-Day Admission, Year Bar and Road Bag.
6 Hours – All of the above and choice of: Special Event or Lecture Ticket** or Priority Registration for the following year’s Class Sessions
(Priority Registration allows you to register for classes on-line up to 1 week prior to the general public!)

** Tickets subject to availability. Excludes Bus Trips.

Also, volunteering is  a great way to meet others at Road and to see behind-the-scenes. Get all the details of what you will be doing as a volunteer and sign up HERE.

8. Book your travel and accommodations early

Road to California is proud to offer hotels that have guaranteed the attendees the best possible pre-negotiated rates. They personally tour and inspect each hotel on the list to ensure it lives up to their standards. Learn more HERE.  Please be aware that the deadline for booking through Road is December 17, 2024.

At the show:

9. Stop by the Handi Quilter booth

Handi Quilter is proud to be a Presenting Sponsor of Road to California and a vendor. Be sure to stop by our booth and say “Hi”! We love to meet and talk with quilters.  Not part of the family yet? Give a machine a test drive! You will fall in LOVE.

10. Meet other quilters

Engage with fellow attendees and the exhibitors and vendors. Networking is a great way to learn new quilting tips and make new friends. Don’t be shy—strike up conversations with fellow quilters. You’ll enrich your experience ten-fold.

11. Document your experience

• • Social Media: Share your experiences on social media and tag  @handiquilter and @road2ca and @prostitcher. It’s a fun way to connect with others who are attending.

• • Notes: Take notes on what you’ve learned or seen to help you remember the details later. Your phone is a quick and easy place to keep those bits of info you’ll want to remember when you get home.

12. Follow Road to California on social media

Check out the festival’s social media pages for updates, sneak peeks, and tips from other attendees. Facebook and Instagram.

Next Steps

Check out these other blog posts for more tips on attending shows.

Spring Quilt Show – Are you ready?

Beginner’s Guide to a Quilt Show

Best tip:  Have FUN!

Enjoy the experience, and don’t be afraid to be inspired and get creative! Take all the sights and sounds and colors and ideas home with you and incorporate them into your quilts.

And while you’re waiting to go, Quilt Every Day!

by Mary Beth Krapil